"I will spend Diwali with my sister."
- Anchal Kumar, Model

My whole immediate family is scattered around the world. But this year I will spend Diwali with my sister who is married and lives in Mumbai because I just got back from a 10-day vacation in London and can't think of another one. I will also be visiting a few really close friends.

A few years ago, though, Diwali was a complete family celebration. My sister was getting married around Diwali time so the entire family was together. My two other sisters had come down from Amsterdam and London for the wedding as well.

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"When you are alone, friends become family."
- Deepika Thapliyal, Financial Journalist

I plan to make the most of Diwali even without my family. I am going for the first day first show of Om Shanti Om. And since I am a financial journalist and there is a one-hour trading session on Diwali day, I will be working from 5 to 8 pm. But after that I have dinner plans and a card party that I really looking forward to.

Priyanka Pereira, who is also a reporter, says she will be going over to her friend's place for Diwali. "Being with my friend's family will make me feel less homesick," she explains.

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But for some in the city work never stops.

"I am covering other people's plans."
- Priyanka Saha, Reporter

I am working on Diwali day. I'm covering other people's plans so I don't really have plans of my own. My parents live in Hyderabad but my relatives are here. So I will spend time with them and also go for Kali puja.

On Saturday, though, I have a holiday. My friends will be coming over. We will probably just roam around; do a little shopping... nothing special!